Editor's note: Details in this story may be disturbing to some readers.

At 4 a.m. Wednesday morning Shannon Miranda watched a horse named Freedom die after more than 24 hours of direct medical care.

"She was definitely a fighter," Miranda said. "She put up such a fight."

Miranda, founder and president of Miranda's Rescue, said two horses were brought into the animal rescue shelter Monday night around 9 p.m. from Alderpoint. He said it's unclear who owned the animals.

"I've gotten so many different stories, no one knows," Miranda said.

One of the horses was dead when it arrived and the other, Freedom, was lying in the trailer, wrapped around her companion's body.

After a full evening of treatment, the horse was standing with assistance from a sling and eating. Later that day, Freedom was walking on her own.

"But then she just crashed," Miranda said. Freedom died from what appeared to be organ failure caused by acute starvation.

Although frustrated by the deaths -- which he documented on camera -- Miranda said he does not have plans to report the incident to the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office.

"What's the point," he said. "They never do anything."

Miranda said he has made numerous reports of animal abuse to the sheriff's office, but he said he is rarely satisfied with the outcome.

"When it comes to animals," he said, "they could care less."

A new bill making its way through the California Legislature may soon require anyone who documents agricultural animal abuse, to share that information with law enforcement.

Authored by Assemblyman Jim Patterson, R-Fresno, and supported by the California Cattleman's Association, Assembly Bill 343 would require those who "knowingly or willingly" take photographs or video of livestock or poultry abuse to provide copies to local law enforcement agencies within 48 hours. A violation could constitute an infraction, punishable by a fine of up to $250.

Lt. Steve Knight said Sheriff Mike Downey strongly supports the bill, and is pushing for the California State Sheriffs' Association to back it.

The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office encourages the public to report any crime, Knight said.

"We will investigate it," he said. "Animal abuse we consider a high priority."

Miranda questioned whether AB 343 would be enforced.

"It would be great if such a bill was passed," he said. "But that also means all law enforcement would have to enforce it. That means doing the follow up once cases of abuse are reported. I just don't see that happening."

TO BOX OUT:

AB 343

Assembly Bill 343 would require those who "knowingly or willingly" take photographs or video of livestock or poultry abuse to provide copies to local law enforcement agencies within 48 hours. A violation could constitute an infraction, punishable by a fine of up to $250. The bill was authored by Assemblyman Jim Patterson, R-Fresno.